Tex-Mex Taco Stuffed Shells (Print Version)

Pasta shells packed with spiced beef and beans, covered in nacho cheese and finished with crushed Doritos.

# Ingredients:

→ Shell Filling

01 - 18–20 jumbo pasta shells
02 - 400 g ground beef
03 - 1 small onion, chopped
04 - 1 packet taco seasoning or 2 tablespoons homemade taco seasoning blend
05 - 150 g cooked black beans
06 - 100 ml tomato sauce

→ Nacho Cheese Sauce

07 - 2 tablespoons butter
08 - 2 tablespoons flour
09 - 250 ml milk
10 - 150 g shredded cheddar cheese or nacho cheese blend
11 - 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
12 - Salt to taste

→ Toppings

13 - Handful of crushed Doritos
14 - Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
15 - Sliced jalapeños (optional)

# Steps to Follow:

01 - Boil jumbo pasta shells in generously salted water until just al dente. Drain well and arrange on a baking sheet to prevent sticking.
02 - In a skillet over medium heat, sauté chopped onion in a splash of oil until translucent. Add ground beef and taco seasoning, cooking until thoroughly browned. Stir in cooked black beans and tomato sauce. Simmer for 5 minutes until thickened.
03 - In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute, whisking to form a roux. Gradually whisk in milk and continue stirring until smooth. Add shredded cheese, smoked paprika, and salt, stirring until fully melted and creamy.
04 - Preheat the oven to 180°C. Fill each cooked shell with the beef and bean mixture, arranging them in a baking dish. Pour the nacho cheese sauce evenly over the filled shells.
05 - Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil, scatter crushed Doritos over the top, and bake for an additional 5 minutes until golden and bubbling.
06 - Finish by garnishing with chopped cilantro and sliced jalapeños to taste. Serve hot.

# Additional Notes:

01 - Customize the filling with corn, diced peppers, or chopped olives for added flavor and texture.
02 - This dish can be assembled ahead of time and baked just before serving.
03 - For extra heat, substitute spicy cheese or pepper jack in the sauce.

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